Japanese Treasures

KIMONOS & KABUKI MASKS, oh my!

The word "kimono" literally means, "a thing to wear." A kimono is a traditional 'T' shaped, ankle length robe worn by people in Japan. They have long wide sleeves and are wrapped around the body, always with the left side over the right (except when dressing a dead body for burial). Kimonos are secured with a sash called an "obi" which is tied in the back.

In Art we made a Japanese figure wearing a kimono, and a Kabuki mask.
"First we got a piece of paper, then we made a person with our pencil. Next we got a rubber block and carved it. Then we got ink and stamped the person. Then we cut it out and glued it on another piece of paper. Then we glued on the mask and then made a symbol." -Elijah

Kabuki masks are worn in traditional Japanese Kabuki plays. This form of entertainment began during the Edo period of Japan (around 1603). Kabuki plays depict historical events, moral conflicts, and love relationships. In the early years both men and women acted in Kabuki plays. Later women were forbidden from acting. Female roles in the plays must be played by men!

"I made a mask that was 3-D. I used a plastic mask and I stuffed gooey paper towels in it. Then I waited about a day and I painted it. I think I did a good job." -Marissa

Of course, we learned about the Elements & Principles of Art along the way...

"I used the elements of art in my project by making patterns on the body, and FORM to form the face. I also used PATTERN on the body." -Maggie

"When we drew our figure, we used LINE." -Ben

"I used all different COLORS like pink, blue, red, gold, black, and white."
"I used TEXTURE in my project by gluing my head (which is made of paper mache) on the kimono." -Jessica

"I used REPETITION by repeating my design." -Chase

"I used a PATTERN over and over again with ink and rubber." -Bryce

Reflections on our artwork...

"My favorite part was printing the kimono, it was really fun." -Samantha

"My figure's name is Chingcho. It is like a Japanese name." -Sara

"I am proud of my artwork because I made a cool stamp and my colors match." -Conner

"I would call it Kimono Figure, because it sounds interesting to me, and I want my artwork to sound interesting." -Drew

"My biggest challenge was carving the rubber block." -Mackenna

Artwork shown was created by: Mackenna, Maggie, Jessica, Kayla, Ben, Adam, Samantha, & Skylee.